Thromb Haemost 2011; 106(03): 405-415
DOI: 10.1160/TH11-02-0132
Blood Coagulation, Fibrinolysis and Cellular Haemostasis
Schattauer GmbH

Deep-vein thrombosis: A United States cost model for a preventable and costly adverse event

Charles E. Mahan
1   University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
,
Mark T. Holdsworth
1   University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
,
Shawn M. Welch
2   Cardinal Health Pharmacy Solutions, Lovelace Medical Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
,
Matt Borrego
1   University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
,
Alex C. Spyropoulos
3   Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 25 February 2011

Accepted after major revision: 19 May 2011

Publication Date:
24 November 2017 (online)

Summary

Preventable venous thromboembolism (VTE) and “appropriate” type, dose, and duration of prophylaxis are emerging concepts. Contemporary definitions by key quality organisations, including the World Health Organization, have shifted towards “preventable” VTE being considered an adverse event or adverse drug event. A decision tree and cost model were developed to estimate the United States health care costs for total deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), total hospital-acquired DVT, and total “preventable” DVT. Annual cost ranges were obtained in 2010 US dollars for total ($7.5 to $39.5 billion), hospital-acquired ($5 to $26.5billion), and preventable ($2.5 to $19.5 billion) DVT costs. When the sensitivity analysis was applied – taking into consideration higher incidence rates and costs – annual US total, hospital-acquired, and “preventable” DVT costs ranged from $9.8 to $52 billion, $6.8 to $36 billion, and $3.4 to $27 billion, respectively.

 
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